Purpose of StudyThe purpose of this study was to identify priority pharmaceutical policy issues in Canada and to translate them into research priorities.

Key Overarching MessageTargeted research and knowledge translation activities can help address key policy issues and, importantly, challenges of policy coordination in Canada and thereby reduce inequity and inefficiency in policy approaches and outcomes.

Key FindingsWe found consensus on overarching policy goals: to provide all Canadians with equitable and sustainable access to necessary medicines. We also found widespread frustration that many key pharmaceutical policy issues in Canada - including improving prescription drug financing and pricing - have been persistent challenges owing to a lack of policy coordination. The coverage of extraordinarily costly medicines for serious conditions was identified as a rapidly emerging policy issue.